Main Review
If there were only more movies like these hitting theatres, I think Hollywood would be an entirely different place. It’s great to see
a diamond-in-the-rough every once in awhile amidst the disappointed and often adulterated film coming from tinsel town these
days.
Co-directed by David Nixon (co-producer of the indie hits Facing the Giants and Fireproof) comes a heart-breaking story about a
young eight-year-old boy whose unforeseeable demise to cancer is overshadowed greatly by his optimism and faith and trust
that he instills in God.
Tyler Doherty (portrayed by Tanner Maguire; TV’s Days of our Lives, Hannah Montana) is a young and lively boy stricken with
cancer. Though through the tough road ahead and the battles he must endure, he still manages to allow his faith to strengthen
him. His prayers to God take form of a letter, in which he mails out regularly, simply addressed: To God. But unselfishly, his
prayers are not for himself, but those around him in whom he thinks his disease has burdened.
The letters make it into the hands of a distraught and confused postman Brady McDaniels (played by Jeffery Johnson; TV’s
Criminal Minds, CSI). Not really knowing what to do with them, it inevitably starts him on his own road to redemption.
After watching this film, it's a blatant reminder of the difference one person can make, despite the insurmountable
circumstances. The most amazing thing of all is the fact that the person making the difference and being the influence is an
eight-year-old child. This just blows my mind!
I was reading some criticism about this film this week, some by people who haven't even seen it. Number one, watch the movie
before you bash it! I can’t stand people who bash films they haven’t seen based on the plot or the fact that the film is faith-
based and Christian in nature. In reading this criticism, the biggest question that I've seen when it comes to the story is, "Why
would a loving God stricken a child with a deadly disease? An innocent child, marked for death, unable to look forward to his life
ahead"
While the central subject matter and plot of the film may be hard for the human mind to fathom, we must first understand that
God's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:9). In saying that, His plans are perfect and always have a divine purpose. The Bible
says in Matthew 5:44-45 that "it rains on the just and the unjust". This means that bad things happen to good people and vise
versa. It’s not easy to understand.
While I may not personally understand why things happen, my faith and trust in God eases my mind to know that everything
happens for a reason. Circumstances such as disease and sickness, such as cancer in the case of this film, can also be
used as an attention getter or a 'wake up call'. Either way, we still have to put faith and trust that God is in control and knows
what He is doing. God can also use these circumstances to test our faith. Just look at the case with Job of the Old Testament
and you’ll see the ultimate trying-of-faith.
Letters to God is a perfect demonstration of putting ones faith in God. A lot of people have a hard time believing in something
or someone they cannot see. It’s the child-like faith that it takes to believe. Young Tyler knew Who to talk to, and although I
think the tragic story of this film may be hard for some to watch, I think it serves as a big reminder of why we're here to begin
with.
Proclaim Christ among the nations, reach out to those in need and pray for those around you. It's only then will we truly discover
the truth, that's undeniably right in front of us.
Closing Thoughts
Not since the 2002 film The Christmas Shoes, has an emotional story gripped me so much. Letters to God is a simple, yet
powerful reminder that even through the hardest and most trying of circumstances, we must still believe that through it all...God
is still in control.
Letters to God is amazing film that I think families should watch. It serves as a reminder that through the toughest of curve balls
life throws at you and it's good that a film portrays such a powerful, yet needed message. While the film is rated PG, use
discretion with little ones - due to the thematic elements of the film.
In closing, I think the movie's tagline speaks volumes and rings so true in a time of hopelessness and despair. Hope is
contagious. Amen to that!
Review Written By: Jay Heilman [jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org] on 4/8/2010
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